FesTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
More to explore at the Festival of Fire
FRIDAY 4 october - monday 28 october
Join us in celebrating the essence of the great Kiwi BBQ with the Festival of Fire! Dive into a month-long feast of BBQ-inspired food and events, where you can Sear, Sip, and Savour an array of top-quality dishes and beverages. See below the events and start planning you meaty feast!
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APPLE BLOSSOM PICNIC - SATURDAY 5 October
11AM - 3PM
Come and enjoy the sweet fragrance of Greytown's Molewood Orchard in blossom. Wander the apple tree rows surrounded by cascades of delicate white petals. Relax with a picnic in Molewood Meadows to the mesmerising sounds of Anna Christensen’s harp.
Renowned local chef Dale Keith will be in the meadows serving fire-grilled porchetta in a ciabatta bun with fennel slaw, apple sauce, garlic mayo and hand cut agria fries.
Entry by gold coin donation, cash and eftpos available
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The Chef's Shout - Saturday 5 October
5PM-9PM
Join us for a mouthwatering BBQ experience with the Executive Chef of the White Swan!
Dive into an array of locally sourced meats and expertly crafted rubs, all cooked to perfection on the BBQ.
Enjoy hands-on tips and tricks about BBQ techniques, meat preparation, and cooking styles in a laid-back, informal setting. Mingle around the BBQ and taste a variety of BBQ meat samples while supplies last. There will also be live music. It’s the perfect blend of great food, good company, and relaxed vibes
Free event, no bookings required.
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Gourmet BBQ course with grill guru Raymond van Rijk - Saturday 19 October
1.30PM – 5PM
BBQ expert Raymond van Rijk will transform your grilling game with an immersive, hands-on experience in The White Swan Garden Bar. Discover the secrets of perfect BBQ with Raymond’s TIT theory (Tools, Ingredients, Taste), covering everything from safety and flavour enhancement to grilling techniques and the best practices for gas versus charcoal.
With Raymond’s signature blend of humour and expertise, you’ll learn essential skills and techniques rather than just recipes. Enjoy some grilled food samples and take home a handy handout. It’s the ultimate BBQ workshop for enthusiasts and novices alike!
Tickets $125 per person.
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BACKYARD BBQ & MOVIE EVENING - SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER
FROM 6PM
Join Aperitif Wine Bar for a delightful evening under the stars in our private garden! Start the night with a delicious BBQ feast at 6pm, then settle in for a movie on the big screen around 7:30pm, just as the twilight sets in.
Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of great food and outdoor cinema!
Tickets $40 per person. Bookings essential
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ACOUSTIC TUNES AROUND THE HOOGA - Friday 25 October
5PM - 9PM
Join us at The White Swan Garden Bar for a night of local talent and cozy vibes!
Enjoy live music from the talented Willy Prior while you relax and unwind in the Garden Bar. Savour on some delicious food from our Gastro menu, sip on some great beverages and add a log to the Hooga.
A classic Swan Garden Bar evening - great vibes and great company, and perhaps a classic kiwi sing-a-along?!
Free event, no bookings required.
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STOKED - SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER
12PM - 5PM
The highlight of this year’s festival is our exciting new one-day event, STOKED.
Whether you prefer your BBQ grilled, smoked, or slow-cooked, Stoked has something for every palate. Enjoy mouthwatering creations from renowned national BBQ chefs and local culinary stars, paired with exceptional drinks.
Featured at the festival are Black Dog BBQ, Martin Bosley’s Fish Shack, Fire Grill with Dale Keith, Travis Clive-Griffin is bringing his Fire Entice, Bicycle Kitchen will be serving up the treats along side our beverage providers : Alexia Wines, Stoke Beer, Greytown Distilling Co. Gin, and Happy Belly Ferments.
Early bird tickets on sale now.
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The Progressive Meat Up - Sunday 27 October
VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES
Get ready for a flavourful adventure at our Progressive Meat Up! Join us for a self-guided, family-friendly tour through town, celebrating BBQ-inspired cuisine from our local cafes, bars, and restaurants. This delightful event invites you to sample smaller portions of mouthwatering meats and sides at multiple stops - much like a progressive dinner!
Stroll through through streets, savouring delicious bites at each location, and discover the unique charm of our local businesses along the way. With no tickets required, you only pay for what you eat and drink. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore, taste, and enjoy the best of our village.
Free event, no bookings required.
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FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD - 4 OCTOBER THROUGH TO 28 OCTOBER
VARIOUS TIMES AND VENUES
Join us in celebrating the essence of the great Kiwi BBQ with the Festival of Fire! Dive into a month-long feast of BBQ-inspired food from our participating cafes, bars and restaurants, where you can Sear, Sip, and Savour an array of top-quality dishes and beverages.
Throughout the month, The White Swan is serving up a sizzling menu featuring ribs, tacos, and a festival-exclusive cocktail. Cuckoo is offering a mouthwatering slow-cooked brisket pizza special, while The Offering presents slow-cooked, hot-smoked Louis-style pork ribs and more. Aperitif brings you a Slow Roasted BBQ Pulled Pork Burger, and Meeneez is dishing out a delectable Smoked Pork Belly Burger.